Forest and land use

Press, 12 April 1984, Page 20

Forest and land use

Sir,—My suggestion was that the Forest Service and Lands and Survey Department should run their departments subject to a veto by the local body which would be answerable to public opinion. It appears to be a failing of those

who seek to control this region by protest to exaggerate and make wild statements. Mr Jackson’s reference (April 5) to hundreds of thousands of acres of waste land is an example, because any vacant land would be snapped up for farm or forest use. The towns of Reefton and Murchison were cleared from the bush. The valleys of Inangahua, much of the Maruia, the Owen, Hope saddle, the Clarke, Korere and Spooners gave access and the best farming land for many of our people after clearing. The fanatical preoccupation with giant wetas, snails and non-existent birds, and the unfounded concern with forestry, mining, road works and progress do nothing but add expense to housing, roading and every endeavour of the people. — Yours, etc.,

W. D. BLACKADDER Springs Junction, April 8, 1984.